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Isolation During Installation

Barriers to contain fluids

Two-way mechanical barriers (able to hold pressure from above and below) have become a key part of deepwater completions. These valves prevent formation fluids entering the completion string, mitigate kick risks, and prevent formation damage through fluid losses. Isolation valves can also act as mechanical barriers to suspend the well. With the formation being isolated in such a way, the upper completion can be run in an isolated wellbore protected from formation pressure. Isolation barrier valves are also an integral part of completion design for any workover contingency.

Isolation barrier valves safeguard reservoirs by providing a reliable barrier between the wellbore and formation and by containing fluids during completions and workover operations—preventing damage to the formation and minimizing workover costs.